Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach if he has given consideration to the costs involved in the setting up and operation of a constitutional convention. [10464/11]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he has given consideration to the setting up of a citizens' assembly. [11569/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

The programme for Government commits the Government to establishing a constitutional convention to consider comprehensive constitutional reform and to report within 12 months of its establishment on the following matters: the review of our Dáil electoral system; reducing the term of office of the President from seven to five years; provision for same sex marriage; to broaden the reference in the Constitution to the role of women in the home to one which recognises the role of the parent in the home; removing blasphemy from the Constitution; the possible reduction of the voting age; and other relevant constitutional amendments that may be recommended by the convention.

Work has commenced on the preparation of detailed proposals for the establishment of the convention and, when ready, these will be considered by Government. They will address matters such as the structure, composition, terms of reference and basis on which the convention will be established. This process will include consideration of likely costs.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In the recent general election campaign Fine Gael promised to establish a citizens' assembly, while the Labour Party promised a constitutional convention. The programme for Government contains the name put forward by the Labour Party and the substance of the Fine Gael proposal. I asked the Taoiseach about this matter in March and he assured me that other parties in the House would be consulted well before any proposals were presented. That has not happened and there has been no consultation in respect of this mater. The legislation must be introduced in the next few weeks if it is to be passed before mid-July. Does the Taoiseach agree it would be a very bad start to the work of the convention if the first offer of consultation was reneged upon?

The Taoiseach previously stated the preparatory work relating to this matter is well advanced. Which Minister will be responsible to the House for the convention? How will it be funded?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is contained in the programme for Government. There were originally two distinct proposals which have come together pretty well. There will also be consultation with the leaders of the Opposition and their parties. It is a matter that will, I hope, result in several changes to the way the country is run and it will be reflected in our Constitution.

It is not a case of proceeding with legislation without consultation. This is a convention in which citizens will have the opportunity to participate. On 13 April the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs had a briefing from We the Citizens. The results of the convention, when it has concluded, will be considered by the Government as a matter of discussion with other parties. Deputy Martin will be consulted. The details are well advanced and I hope to produce them soon.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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While the details may be well advanced and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has met We the Citizens, no one has met Members of this House who should be fundamental to any reconsideration of our Constitution. Why are such fundamental issues being discussed without any consultation with Members? It is unacceptable and wrong. There should be more proactive engagement with Members. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that he will get the Chief Whip to organise effective consultations with Members on this convention?

Which Minister will be accountable to the House for the work of the convention? If it is to be truly democratic, as any reconsideration of the Constitution on such a wide basis should be, those directly elected by the people should be the first to be consulted.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I agree there has to be meaningful consultation. I do not see any way to bring about the type of political reform the Taoiseach has talked about unless meaningful consultation is a fundamental basis.

Did the Taoiseach consider giving the vote in presidential elections for Irish citizens outside of this State? On a matter which I have raised before with the Taoiseach, and which he has promised to consider, how truly national will this convention be? Will it include citizens from the Six Counties? Has any advance work or consultation been held on that?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Dáil electoral system will be a matter for the convention which will include the possibility of people outside the jurisdiction being able to vote. At a meeting in Brussels before the last election, it was pointed out to me that more than 3,000 Irish people work in the European Commission, Parliament and other EU institutions. A simple amendment to the existing legislation would allow them to vote in the same way as diplomats can. That is a matter for the convention to consider under its review of the Dáil electoral system. Consideration will be given to the national reflection on this matter.

It will not be long before I bring these proposals to the House. It will be unlike the past when the House was disregarded. When the proposals are put together I will certainly discuss them with the leaders opposite. If they have suggestions to improve them, I will be very happy to hear them.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Yet, there will be no consultation.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There will be consultation. I will not set down proposals on which there will be no movement. Let us put the range together. I will be happy to take Deputy Martin's views and those of the other parties into account because we have to get this right.